Dog bites can happen in an instant — even during what starts as friendly play. Whether you’re at a local park, walking through Gateshead, or meeting a new dog for the first time, it’s important to know what to do if your dog gets bitten by another dog.
Even a small bite can lead to infection, swelling, or deeper trauma. Here’s how to stay calm, act fast, and protect your dog’s health.
🚨 Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately
1. Stay Calm and Get to Safety
Separate the dogs safely and move away from the area. Don’t yell or punish either dog — it can escalate things.
2. Assess the Injury
Check your dog for:
Puncture wounds Swelling or bleeding Limping or signs of pain
Note: bites may look minor on the surface but cause deep tissue damage.
3. Call Your Vet
Even small bites should be assessed. Call your vet to explain what happened and follow their advice. Most will want to see the wound quickly to prevent infection.
4. Clean the Wound Gently
If bleeding is minor, rinse the area with clean water and gently dab it with sterile gauze. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide — it can delay healing.
5. Watch for Signs of Infection
Over the next 24–48 hours, look for:
Increased swelling Pus or heat around the bite Your dog licking the area excessively Lethargy or loss of appetite
Contact your vet immediately if these appear.
🧠 Why Dog Bites Need Prompt Care
Even a small puncture can introduce bacteria deep under the skin. Without treatment, this can lead to abscesses or more serious infections.
Vet care may include:
Antibiotics Pain relief Wound cleaning or stitching Drain placement in severe cases
⚖️ Do You Need to Report the Incident?
If the attacking dog is known, consider exchanging contact details with the other owner and reporting the incident if negligence is involved. If it happened in a public area, note the location and time in case of follow-up.
🐾 How Chrysidis Pet Care Helps Prevent Incidents
At Chrysidis Pet Care, I:
Only accept dogs who are calm and sociable Offer one-on-one or carefully managed small group care Supervise all introductions closely Keep dogs on lead during walks in busy or unfamiliar areas Avoid overstimulating environments where bites are more likely
With over 30 years of experience, I know how to read dog body language and intervene early to keep things safe.
🧯 Prevention Tips for Owners
Always ask before introducing your dog to another Avoid dog parks with unfamiliar, off-lead dogs if yours is anxious Keep interactions short and positive Learn calming signals and stress signs in dogs
📣 Final Thought
Dog bites are scary — but manageable with quick action and proper care. By staying calm, calling your vet, and giving your dog space to recover, you’ll help them heal physically and emotionally.
If your dog has been shaken by a recent bite or needs a calmer care environment, I offer crate-free, quiet home boarding and day care tailored to anxious and rescue dogs.